Association between regular walking and periodontitis according to socioeconomic status: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Physical activity reduces the risk and mortality risk of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to examine the relationship between regular walking and periodontitis in a Korean representative sample of adults according to socioeconomic status. Data acquired by the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014 and 2015 were used. The survey was completed by 11,921 (5,175 males; 6,746 females) participants (≥19 years). Individuals without values on periodontitis were excluded, and 9,728 participants remained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done using socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, income, education), oral health-related variables (flossing, interdental brushing, community periodontal index), oral and general health status and behaviour (smoking, diabetes mellitus), and regular walking. In all models, subjects who walked regularly had significantly lower risks of periodontitis. After adjusting for age, gender, income, education, smoking, diabetes mellitus, flossing, and interdental brushing, the odds ratio for periodontitis in subjects who walked regularly was 0.793 (95% Confidence interval: 0.700–0.898). Non-regular walking groups showed similar social gradients. Risk of low socioeconomic status was not significant in the regular walking group after adjusting for age, gender, income, and education. This study found that regular walking is associated to lower prevalence of periodontitis and can attenuate the relationship between periodontitis and low socioeconomic status.

Influence of physical activity on periodontal health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A blinded, randomized, controlled trial

“…These results are consistent with the results of recent studies that have shown that physical activity is associated with a reduced prevalence of periodontitis and improved periodontal health of the population [ 26 – 28 ]. A study by Su-Jin Han et al [ 27 ] showed a significant association between regular walking and a lower prevalence of periodontitis. Merchant et al [ 28 ] confirmed these results.…”

Association of Blood Cadmium with Cardiovascular Disease in Korea: From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2013 and 2016

“…Physical activity including walking was collected through a face-to-face interview. Regular walking defined participants who had walked at least 30 min at a time and ≥5 days a week during the last seven days [ 35 ].…”

Progress in Oral Microbiome Related to Oral and Systemic Diseases: An Update

“…There is controversy regarding whether alcohol consumption is a protective factor against or a risk factor for periodontitis. However, low socioeconomic status has been associated with periodontitis [ 60 ] and dental caries [ 61 ]. Alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status may also affect oral microbiome composition, considering reports on oral microbes in periodontitis and dental caries.…”